A Blast From the Past, 20 x 24 Polaroids

In college I was one of 10 artists who received a scholarship through California State University to create my work on the legendary 20 x 24 Polaroid camera. The camera was flown from New York to Humboldt State University and Program Director John Reuter helped us photograph the setups we had been experimenting with on 4 x 5 and 8 x 10 view cameras.

Since its introduction in 1978 this camera has been recognized as one of the most unique photography tools available. Originally developed to accurately reproduce works of art, the camera was quickly recognized as a creative tool to make instant photographs of 20 by 24 inches. Early practitioners included Chuck Close, Ansel Adams and William Wegman. Only 5 cameras were ever constructed and

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Little Beauties to Start Your Collection

My personal collection of small scale art was featured this week in a blog post by my friend and fellow artist Jess Weems Thibault. It’s a great reminder to all of us that the joy of art outlasts so many other things we can spend our money on.

See more of my own art by viewing my portfolio.

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Linda Robertson is a painter and the author of the Embracing Encaustic Book series and she offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.

Meet Me at the Dog Park!

Last month I had the pleasure of participating in a wonderful storytelling group where we all shared the adventures of dogs in our lives, both past and present. This was conceived by my talented friends by Fred Swan and Stan Peterson who are both well loved artists in Portland Oregon. The event, called Dog Tales was an intimate experience that lead to knowing more about my fellow artist that I would have ever learned during those brief conversations we’re able to have during gallery openings.

Happy Together No Matter the Weather (left) and A Friend for All Seasons (right) by Linda Robertson. Both 24 x 24 in., acrylic on canvas. $425 each, framed.

This event was the seed for the new show called Dog Park on view until March 21 at the Ford Gallery. I have two new paintings in the show which express my enthusiasm for my canine companions over the years. I created these in the same style as my recent encaustic paintings, but just to shake things up I worked in acrylic with which I have very little experience. The process was alternately fun and pretty darn awful, but I eventually found my rhythm and I’m very happy with the results.

I often try new mediums and methods to remind myself how it feels to try something completely new because I think it makes me a better teacher and artist. This project was an especially good reminder that sometimes I just need to keep working at a problem until I figure it out, no matter how frustrated I might get.

As an added bonus, a friend let me play with Illustrator on her iPad so I could quickly try different colors for the silhouette in one of my paintings. Very fun!

I hope you’ll catch the show if you can. More than 30 artists are represented using a variety of styles to celebrate the dogs that fill their hearts with love.

Ford Gallery
2505 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR
Show runs through March 21

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Linda Robertson is a painter and the author of the Embracing Encaustic Book series and she offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.

Don’t Forget to Breathe (and Make Art)

For the past several weeks I’ve been distracted by our political turmoil, spending much more time outside my studio making my voice heard. Democracy can be messy and exhausting and I definitely need a break. More specifically I need an ART break. Maybe you do too?

I’ve heard from many artists who say they are having trouble focusing or simply not feeling very creative right now. That’s understandable, and please know that you are not alone, but finding a way back into making art can help. You can see why this is one of my favorite quotes:

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
~ Pablo Picasso

A few days ago I realized there’s a quick way I can help — by making my classes more accessible. So I’ve reduced the prices on all of my online encaustic classes! Each purchase gives you a full year of immediate access to the class videos, with the ability to watch them as many times as you’d like and work at your own pace.

So go on, dig in. Now you can try something new for less while “washing away the dust.” And don’t forget to breathe.

>> View My Online Classes Here

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Linda Robertson is a painter and the author of the Embracing Encaustic Book series and she offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.

Ice Storms and Art Shows Don’t Mix

It been an unusually cold winter here in Oregon. I know everyone laughs about us panicking at the first snowflake, but these ice storms are no joke! Unfortunately they have impacted several great art shows, including the annual BIG 500 fundraiser for the Oregon Food Bank. There was still a great turnout for the opening day, but by the end of the show many lovely pieces were still left undiscovered, including some of mine below.

Most of these painting were started while I was away on a residency retreat in Hawaii, so you’ll see even more tropical influences than usual. (And yes, I do see the irony in that.) I experimented  with a loose, abstracted style as well as watercolor, encaustic, oil and cold wax in various combinations for different looks. It was very exciting!

In the spirit of the fundraiser I’m offering these 8 x 8 inch unframed paintings on wood panel (with a hanger attached) at the original show price of just $40 each through the end of March, with 25% of each purchase going directly  to the food bank. At these prices

Kailua Pathways: A Healing Residency

When does a simple vacation become a residency? It’s all about setting your intention.

I recently had the opportunity to spend 10 days in Hawaii and wanted to make it more than a trip to the beach so I invited my trusted friend Kimberly Kent to join me. We arranged space to paint while we were there, exploring our shared love of celebrating nature in our work. We pushed each other in new directions and painted much more than we would have on our own. And the dogs we got to hang out with were a huge bonus!

During the past several years both Kimberly and I have experienced a similar path that included life altering trauma and repeated loss mixed with overwhelming support and surprising successes. Together we have passed into middle age and all it has to offer. The glue holding it all together has been our art.

Where does that leave us now, and how does it inform the art making in a more real way? How does it empower us to find our voice and hone it to be heard by others who need it. There are art makers and art enthusiasts, all of whom feel the power art in a similar way.

During our recovery we both had a nose to the grindstone approach to healing. Now that we’ve made some progress with that it’s time for a little more reflection and intention, so we used this this time to take the next step. Here are some of our efforts.

[Sunrise Palms by Linda Robertson, watercolor, oil and cold wax]

We often started working on location at

Choose from 5,000 Paintings!

A big thanks to Chris Haberman and and Jason Brown for inviting me to be in The Big 500 Art Show again this year. After the galleries at Pioneer Place shut down last year we were afraid that might be the end of this wonderful fundraiser for the Oregon Food Bank, but (very) thankfully the Ford Gallery stepped up to host the event!

Invited artists — 500 of us — are each given 10 or more wood panels and let loose to create whatever we like, knowing that all 8 x 8 inch panels will sell for just $40 each. Do that math…that’s at least 5,000 paintings! I usually make 10 but managed to get to 15 paintings this year! No only is this a benefit for the Oregon Food Bank but it’s also a great way to allow just about anyone to afford an original piece of art. They make great gifts too.

This is an exciting show because when the art is hung there are no names included with the work which evens the playing field. Art from a very well known artist may be sitting right  next to that of someone in their first art show, but all you need to care about is DO YOU LIKE THE WORK? I love this idea.

The Ford Gallery
2505 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR
December 11 – 23, 2016. 9am-6pm daily

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Linda Robertson is a painter and the author of the Embracing Encaustic Book series and she offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.

 

Thinking of Arrowmont Today

I had the pleasure of teaching a week long encaustic class at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts a few years ago so I know these places that are so close to the fire. It’s a stunningly beautiful campus filled with uniquely creative spaces and kind people. Sending my best thoughts for everyone there and all of those affected by the wildfires.

 

“The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, a Gatlinburg institution for generations, was among the many structures threatened Monday night by fire but has “survived.”

Bill May, executive director of the beloved school, posted photos on his Facebook page of flames consuming structures at the visual arts center. On Tuesday morning, he posted new pictures showing the aftermath. He said all buildings except Hughes Hall and Wild Wing survived with what appears to be little damage.

“We are OK,” May wrote, “Much destruction and loss in our community, many hurting. Thankful the school survived. Thankful for Arrowmont’s friends everywhere. Please get the word out that Arrowmont is still here.”

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Linda Robertson is the author of the Embracing Encaustic Book series and she offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.

Healing Nature Opens Sept. 1

You may recognize the building better from the sign than from the name. Gallery 135 in the Pearl District is the one with the neon sign that instead of saying open or closed says working or playing, and next month I’ll be doing both there!

Opening Reception: Thursday, September 1 at 6 PM – 9 PM
Gallery 135, 135 NW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97209

[Images above – left: Sing After the Storm, 30 x 30 in. by Linda Robertson, encaustic; right: Nature and Grace, by Fred Swan. 24 x 24 in., encaustic]

I’m excited to show new work with my talented friend Fred Swan in a show we call Healing Nature.  I hope you’ll join us for the opening reception on September 1 from 6 to 9 PM. Since it will be first Thursday there will be many excellent openings surrounding us including two of my favorites, Basic Space and Froelick Gallery so I hope you’ll check those out as well.

[Image at right: Invisible Forces, 12 x 9 in. by Linda Robertson, encaustic]

In discussing the show Fred and I knew that our love of nature would also bring together our work visually. Here’s what we’ve written to go with the show:

When the challenges of life overshadow the joys, connecting with the beauty of nature is often a treasured remedy. Experiencing the sights, sounds, textures, and scents that surround us can make us feel relaxed, centered, and can boost our immune systems. We don’t need to go anywhere special to experience the healing powers of nature. Take a moment to enjoy the fragrance of a flower, the feeling of wind on your skin, the sight of clouds overhead. At night the universe is waiting outside our doors. Just as nature heals us, we need to return the favor by protecting this gift. As you connect with the beauty around you please consider what you can do to preserve it. What action can you take today?

I hope you’ll join us at the opening reception for cools drinks, lively conversation and great art.

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Linda Robertson is the author of the Embracing Encaustic Book series and she offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.

Teaching with Artists Network University

Part of making a living as an artist is to find new ways to reach more students and collectors. I’ve been approached by Artists Network University to teach a class for them on encaustic painting and collage and I’m happy to say registration is now open!

This is a perfect class to start with if you’ve always wanted to try encaustic painting and want step-by-step instructions as well as the opportunity to ask me questions as you go along. This class starts on July 25 and runs for a month, allowing you to watch the videos as often as you’d like.

We are offering this first class at a discount, so REGISTER NOW to save almost $30!

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Linda Robertson is the author of the Embracing Encaustic Book series and she offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.

 

Island Treasures and a Tropical Explosion

Just because I’m from Hawaii doesn’t mean that when I go back it’s all beaches
and sunshine–I work hard, too.

But who am I kidding, it’s mostly beaches and sunshine. 🙂

Magical Mokuluas 53×24, watercolor, ink and wax on paper

On my last trip, I stopped by Island Treasures Art Gallery like I always do because, let’s face it, it’s an amazing place filled with authentic local art. Those of you who have been there know what I’m talking about!

The difference this time is that I met with the owner and showed her photographs of my wax scrolls to see if she’d be interested in carrying them. I barely got to the second image before she said yes, so I’m excited to announce that I’m now represented by a gallery in my hometown of Kailua!

This is been a goal for me for a long time but I’ve never tried because shipping is so expensive between Hawaii and the mainland. The scrolls give me a way to bridge that gap because they can be rolled up in a tube which means people can purchase them and take them anywhere.

The gallery also asked me to create a scroll featuring the iconic Mokulua islands just off of Lanikai beach where I spend much of my time when I’m home. That was a fun challenge and one of the most specific compositions I’ve done with the scrolls. I bumped up the vibrant colors for them–if there were a scale I think it would read tropical explosion!

If you find yourself on Oahu, I hope you’ll stop by and see my newest work:

Island Treasures Art Gallery
602 Kailua Rd
Kailua, HI

If you’d like to learn how to make these scrolls yourself, check out my online scrolls class where I’ll take you through the materials and techniques plus you can watch me make a 5 foot long scroll from start to finish!

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Linda Robertson is the author of the Embracing Encaustic Book series and she offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.

 

New Colors from R&F Paints

There are so many great color choices for encaustic supplies, but I’m still glad for more!

New colors from R&F Handmade Paints will soon be on the way with 4 new encaustic colors, 12 new Pigment Sticks colors. I’ve already got a few, including fabulous Turkey Red, and I’m thrilled with the new selections.

Not quite as sexy as new colors but very cool for those who use it, blending sticks will soon be available in jars! These new Blending Mediums will offer even more versatility in working with R&F Pigment Sticks.

They are printing new color charts now, so if you need an updated chart just let them know by emailing info@rfpaints.com with your address. They’ve promised to get a new chart to you as soon as they have them. Happy painting!

 

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Linda Robertson is the author of the Embracing Encaustic Book series and she offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.

My Most Popular Class in Now Online!

No doubt, this one has been a long time coming.

I’m excited to announce that my most requested class is finally available online — Colorful Wax Scrolls! I’m really proud of this one and so excited to share these techniques with you.

You don’t need any special skills to take this class so it’s a great option if you haven’t had much creative time recently. I’ll show you step-by-step how to create your own paper and wax panels that are thin enough for natural light to penetrate, filling your space with energy and movement. We’ll add color with a variety of materials both before and after we wax, and I’ll show you a few easy and elegant ways to display them.

This one was tricky. Unlike the other classes

Gathering Strength

Gathering Strength, 14″ x 48″ mixed media and encaustic, SOLD

I’m pleased to share the news this week that my painting Gathering Strength, will be going to a new home soon.

My fabulous art broker found just the right place for it with some savvy seniors in Portland, Oregon. The current restoration and preservation of their apartment building on Hawthorne includes artwork that reflects the community and will afford the tenants a serene and welcoming atmosphere to call home.

This painting is a personal favorite of mine and came out of my bedroom to go to its final home!
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Linda Robertson is the author of the Embracing Encaustic Book series and she offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.

Experience Fire On The Water

Click image to see Fire on the Water on Oregon Art Beat

This year’s fabulous Fire on the Water Dragon Boat Show is happening now and runs through August 30!

This sanctioned Rose Festival event was curated by Alea Bone and features over 80 Portland artists. The show has already received great coverage including a segment on OPB’s Oregon Art Beat and a great article in the Portland Tribune:  The Art of Dragon Boating.

See the show at:
Portland’5 Centers for the Arts
1111 SW Broadway, Portland, OR
Show runs through August 30

My work in the show is a scroll:

The Power of Many
watercolor and wax on paper
44 1/2 x 24 inches, $350

More about the show:

Fire on the Water is a unique group art show inspired by the rich tradition of dragon boating in Portland.

Over 80 artists have created work inspired by the Rose Festival dragon boats. This show is a stunning collection of artistic interpretations by both well known and emerging artists.

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Linda Robertson is the author of the Embracing Encaustic Book series and she offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.